Baojun has launched the quirky E300 and E300 Plus mini EVs on the Chinese market with starting prices of 64,800 yuan ($9,170) and 69,800 yuan ($9,880), respectively.
Both models are powered by a 31.9 kWh battery which provides a generous range for such a small vehicle – up to 305 km (189 miles) according to the NEDC test cycle. Using DC fast charging, it can be charged to 80 percent in one hour. A full charge on a 220V socket takes 15 hours, though.
The battery powers a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, rated at 40 kW (53 HP / 54 PS) and 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) of torque. That’s enough for a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The difference between the E300 and E300 Plus is the size and passenger capacity.
The former is 2,625 mm (103.3 in) long, 1,647 mm (64.8 in) wide and 1,588 mm (62.5 in) high, with the wheelbase measuring 1,750 mm (68.9 in). As a result, it can only accommodate two or three passengers.
The Baojun E300 Plus has an elongated wheelbase of 2,020 mm (79.5 in), an overall length of 2,894 mm (113.9 in), and slightly bigger width and height of 1,655 mm (65.1 in) and 1,595 mm (62.8 in), respectively. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the E300 Plus features four seats.
Naturally with such small cars, customers may have doubts about ride quality and safety. Baojun reassures them with the fact that the E300 and E300 Plus feature front McPherson independent suspension and rear double wishbone independent suspension.
As for safety, the mini EVs’ bodies are made of 80-percent high-strength steel, with the battery pack wrapped in “super-strong steel and equipped with an active power-off system for extra protection in the event of a collision.” Standard safety features include electronic stability control (ESC), anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), hydraulic brake assist (HBA), and dual front air bags.
For the base price, customers also get aluminum wheels, multifunction steering wheel, digital instrument panel, and four-way adjustable front seats. Available features include Baojun’s intelligent connectivity system supplied by Huawei featuring an AI voice interaction system, real-time navigation, voice-control WeChat function, and mobile app.
The Baojun E300 and E300 Plus come with two-tone liveries combining a black upper half with five body colors: Starry White, Starry Sky Powder, Starship Gray, Interstellar Blue and Star Flame Red.